Speed Grapher: Box Set
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DVD Cover Information
Brand: FUNIMATION PRODUCTIONS, LTDDVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); English (Original Language); English (Dubbed)
Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 600 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-03-11
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Funimation Prod
Product features:
- Image Galleries * Textless songs * Outtakes
- 6 - 12 Page Guidebooks
- Saito Documentary parts 1-3
- Character Profiles
- Character Cast Auditions
Movie Reviews of Speed Grapher: Box Set
Movie Review: Thoughts from a lover of great stories
Summary: 5 Stars
"Speed Grapher" is something I watched out of pure curiosity. I seemed different from most of the anime I've seen. I am so glad I did! Since other reviewers have already given a warning about its explicit content I won't bother to repeat it. I'd like to talk about how cool the story is!
At first, "Speed Grapher" feels like a kind of knock off of "Eyes Wide Shut", except with a curious photographer instead of a curious rich doctor. However, it doesn't take long before the story becomes its own roller coaster of intrigue, corruption and heroism and you get taken along for the ride wondering, "Wow! When did that happen?"
Each of the characters are finely developed. Though many of them play archetypical roles, none of them feel like archetypes. Every one has complex, realistic motives and you don't find it hard to believe that these people might actually exist. They live in a near-futuristic society in the aftermath of a worldwide war following the collapse of the global economy. There's something incredibly creepy about this. We can see signs of the economy cracking in our lives today. It makes the whole thing hit home much more than your average alien or supernatural invasion.
I must not be much of an animation connoisseur because I thought the art style fit the story very well. It's stark, simple, and the characters are much more realistic. Exaggerated wardrobes, anatomy and flowing, sweeping lines work great for most anime shows, but I don't know if they would've helped here. Of course I'm not an animator, but the harshness actually added to the story, I think, by emphasizing the intricacies of the plot as opposed to the visuals.
And what a plot! I gotta say it, Suitengu is officially one of my favorite villains, not just in anime but anywhere. Unlike many villains in SF&F he is not blatantly evil just because he needs to be evil for the sake of the story. His background is harsh and complex and his motives make sense. He crafts an evil plot with patience and intricacy, showing a ruthless inner knowledge of how to manipulate pleasure and human need, and how to strike at his enemies in the most effective way, all the while showing an inner pain that's all too human. And I've rarely seen a villain who manages to redeem himself AND accomplish his dastardly plan all at the same time in a manner that's completely convincing. You gotta admire a character that well crafted.
And then there's the show's "monsters". I've seen my share of anime/manga mutants, but the Euphorics (or Euphorians) definitely win the title of the most disturbing. Saiga and Suitengu remain relatively normal but get a load of the prime minister! And that creepy priest all made of cables and wires. And I swear I will never be able to look at dentists quite the same way again.
The story whips up so many varied emotions. For all its bare breasts and politicians smacking girl-toys with riding crops, the sensuality of the show is concentrated mostly on the scenes where Saiga is trying hard not to take Kagura's picture even though he wants to so badly. That's one of the reasons why I don't think the animation is all that terrible. Scenes like that don't take much action. And I don't think sensuality or sexiness is the intention. Only the creepy rich people have much to do with it directly. All the main characters oppose it in some way, fighting it, falling victim to it or manipulating it.
I won't, of course, disclose the ending, but I can assure you it's epic, satisfying and happy. Never mind judging its value as an anime. All in all, I'd say that "Speed Grapher"'s greatest strength is in just being an awesome story. It's a worthy edition to anyone's video library, and certainly anyone's anime collection. Give it a try. I'm willing to bet you'll be breathless by the end.
Summary of Speed Grapher: Box Set
Tokyo's really let itself go. The poor get poorer and the rich get their kicks in clandestine pleasure clubs where no desire is too taboo. The decadent criminal underground is the only game in town and life is cheap when paid for in blood money. Burned out ex-war photographer Saiga though his life couldn't get any more dull selling his soul as a tabloid photographer trading the rush of bullets whizzing past his head for a quick buck.p>While on one of these paparazzi assignments Saiga stumbles directly into the ultimate den of vice where a goddess is preparing to bestow a dangerous gift upon a willing victim. Running from his enemies and fleeing his own inner demons Saiga rescues a tragic young girl named Kagura from her own nightmarish life. The girl is full of secrets... secrets possibly hidden even from herself. Smile for the camera... or perish in the glare of its lens.Contains all 24 episodes!System Requirements:Running Time: 600 minutesFormat: DVD Genre: ANIMATION/ANIME UPC: 704400086991 Manufacturer No: 0Similar DVD Movies
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